Zion's Advocate. ';:a. Je/ii~ Ujion, I r/e,j.i 2:49-78 ~A

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1 Zion's Advocate "And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost... " I Nephi 3:187 VOLUME 79 INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI NUMBER4 ~~:;,:~=~ ';:a. Je/ii~ Ujion, I r/e,j.i 2:49-78 ~A Still dazzled with remembered light My eyes an image keep. Of what? A Tree! And on its boughs White fruit for which I weep. I'll live or die for taste so sweet! In dream I walked a river's bank On dark, uncertain ground, X A narrow path and hard to see. Thick mists were all around. I'll live or die for taste so sweet! And then my straining eyes beheld Within my grasp-a rod Of solid iron along that stream Leading straight to God! I'll live or die for taste so sweet! : Around me as I made my way ~\ \ Dark mists swirled in vain.. '<_I I gripped the rod; I reached the Tree '.f Of Life, forgot the pain. ~~ I'll live or die for taste so sweet! ~ - Donna Moser \ : ~,.... ~.,...- ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~,..... 't.e"" -~.,.... ~71\. ; ARTICLE- The Book of Mormon, Part I - to the Apostle John -Apostle Don Mclndoo NEW,S- Qur Group - Elder Robert Oldham ANNOtJNGEMENTS

2 ZION'S ADVOCATE is the official publication of the Church of Christ, with headquarters on the Temple Lot, 200 S. River Blvd., P.O. Box 472, Independence, Missouri Telephone (816) or (816) The Church of Christ web site is: SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Church of Christ members' subscriptions are paid from general Church funds, but donations are requested (suggested: $4.00 each year). In bundles of 12 or more for missionary purposes the rate is $2.00. Non-member rates: $4.00 per year; foreign orders add 50. Send subscription requests with appropriate fees, donations to Church funds (Temple & Storehouse), consecrations, tithes and all other offerings to the Business Manager at Church headquarters as listed below. PRIESTHOOD VISITATION: If you or someone you know (member or non-member) would like to be visited by a member of the Priesthood of the Church of Christ, please call or write to the Council of Apostles at Church Headquarters in Independence. The phone numbers and addresses are listed below. L=:11 ==T=H=E=AP=O=ST=L=E=S=' M=IS=S=IO=N=AR=Y=F=IE=L=D=S====..l'I II GENERAL CHURCH OFFICERS II.. Smith N. Brickhouse, 5713 Logan Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64136; Frank Fann, 3808 Queen Ridge, Independence, Missouri 64055; Placido Koyoc Matu, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico MikeMcGhee, E. 6th Street N., Independence, Missouri 64056; Brian Mclndoo, N. 30th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85050; Donald E. Mclndoo, N. 30th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85050; Alvin J. Moser, N. 29th Place, Phoenix, Arizona 85050; Roland L. Sarratt, E. 36th Terrace, Independence, Missouri 64055; William A. Sheldon, 1011 S. Cottage, Independence, Missouri 64050; Joel Yates, 2924 E. Rockwood Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85050; Placido Koyoc Yam, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico GENERAL CHURCH REPRESENTATIVE IN THE Apostle Donald E. Mclndoo and Apostle Alvin J. OFFICE: Apostle William A. Sheldon, assisted Moser in joint charge of Arizona, California, Neby Evangelist Marvin Case, Elder Leslie Case vada and New Mexico. and Elder Charles Brantner. Apostle Donald E. Mclndoo, Apostle Alvin J. Apostle Roland L. Sarratt and Apostle Michael Moser, Apostle Placido Koyoc Yam and Apos- E. Mc Ghee in joint charge of Missouri. Apostle tie Placido Koyoc Matu in joint charge of Mexico Roland L. Sarratt and Apostle Frank Fann in and Central America. Apostle Placido Koyoc joint charge of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Yam and Apostle Placido Koyoc Matu to assist Texas, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota. in areas with large Spanish speaking and Native Apostle Frank Fann in charge of North Dakota, American populations within the United States. South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. UNDEVELOPED AREAS: Council of Apostles in Apostle Smith N. Brickhouse and Apostle charge. Michael E. Mc Ghee in joint charge of Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont. New Hampshire, Maine, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina; the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, Canada and the Maritime Provinces. Apostle Brian E. Mclndoo and Apostle Joel A. Yates in joint charge of Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii and Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the western half of the Northwest Territories. SECRETARY, COUNCIL OF APOSTLES Apostle Smith N. Brickhouse 5713 Logan Road Kansas City, Missouri SECRETARY, GENERAL BISHOPRIC Elder Leslie P. Case 8312 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, Missouri GENERAL CHURCH SECRETARY Elder Robert W. Oldham 5709 Logan Road Kansas City, Missouri BUSINESS MANAGER Elder Alvin L. Harris Church of Christ P.O. Box472 Independence, Missouri GENERAL CHURCH RECORDER Rick Olson 5629 Logan Road Kansas City, MO II ZION'S ADVOCATE STAFF EDITOR Apostle Michael McGhee E. 6th Street N. Independence, Missouri ASSOCIATE EDITORS Jim Gordon 1528 Dickenson Road Independence, Missouri David Rudd 4917 Casey Court Independence, Missouri PRODUCTION STAFF Harvey L. Seibel II Priesthood articles and sermons, testimonies for Pathlights, submissions to other regular monthly Zion's Advocate features, and news items of Church-wide interest are requested, and should be sent to the Editor as listed above. Deadline for material requiring publication in any certain month is the 10th of the previous month. Format of submitted material: Please type all submissions Qf possible), on one side of the paper only. Please avoid overuse of WRITTEN MATERIAL REQUESTED underlining, ALL-CAPS and italics. The most important thing, though, is to send the material-the staff can arrange for typing or otherwise preparing anything you send. Word Processors/Computers: We can utilize text files on IBM or compatible computer floppy disk of any size or format and nearly any word processor. If you have this capability, it is a big help to our process.... STATUS OF PUBLISHED ARTICLES Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the teachings of the Church, nor the opinions of the editorial staff. Declarations and notices authorized by the General Conference reflect the practices and beliefs of the General Church. ZION'S ADVOCATE IS... To promote Jesus Christ as our only Saviour; To promote His Teachings & His Church, the Church of Christ; To be a voice of warning to His people; to be Zion's advocate. '

3 Zion's Adv.ocate ARTICLE,? The Book of Mormon By Harvey E. Seibel WHAT IS IT? I t is a witness for Christ in America. In fact it is a second witness for Christ fulfilling the scriptural injunction that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. WHAT IS THE SCRIPTURAL TEST OF ITS AUTHORITY? "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the fiesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the fiesh is not of God" (1 John 4:2-3). Part One Christ is the central theme of the entire record proclaiming the necessity of His coming in the flesh and offering Himself up as an atonement for our sins so that through repentance we might have eternal life. It does so confess that Christ is come in the flesh and the ref ore the spirit of this book is of God. WHO WERE THE PEOPLE? I t tells of two families who were led out of Jerusalem by the Lord during the time of Zedekiah's wicked reign just before N ebuchadnezzar' s armies came down and took the people captive to Babylon. These two families were led to a land of promise, a land choice above all other lands, fulfilling the prophecy of Jacob concerning Joseph whose branches were to run over the wall ( the sea) and whose blessings were to be on the head of Joseph AND on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. (See Genesis 49:22-26 & Deuteronomy 33:1317.) These families were of the house of Israel of the seed of Joseph of the tribe of Manasseh. After their arrival to this lai:;:d (600 B.C. & America) there was a division amongst them and the rebellious part was ~ cursed of God, the righteous portion separating themselves from their brethren, thus becoming two nations. In the process of time our Lord was born of Mary and after His ministry, crucifixion and resurrection He visited the - remnant of the house of Israel in this land, fulfilling His prophecy in John 10: 16 that"... other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." He also visited the lost tribes of Israel so that all the house of Israel '. '. -55-

4 Zion's Adyocate heard His voice. His ministry in this land resulted in 200 years of righteousness among the people. At length wickedness again entered, soon becoming general among all the people, and finally resulting, through war and bloodshed, in the complete destruction of one faction. Those remaining after this great destruction became what we term today as the American Indian, or the Native American. There were two other migrations, one which arrived a few years later, also from Jerusalem, but of the house of David. They also established themselves and built a great city. In process of time they were joined by the former group to beco me one nation. The other migration occurred many centuries earlier at the time of the tower of Babel. A family and their friends, knowing of the coming confusion of tongues, asked the Lord for His favour on them. God answered them, sparing their language and leading them to that land spoken above which was choice above all others. They there became a mighty nation greatly blessed of God. But they also fell into grievous sins and finally after many centuries were totally destroyed in a terrible war. The sole survivor of this conflagration was later discovered by the people who had come out from Jerusalem. He spent his last nine months of life with them before passing on to his reward. WHAT DOES IT TEACH? After our first par- according to the captivity and power of the devil. The specific instructions were that we must repent and be baptized in His name, and become as a little child, or we can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Or, as - it is stated elsewhere, whoso believeth in Me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they which shall inherit the kingdom of God. But whoso believeth not in Me, and is not baptized, the ents had partaken same shall be damned. of the forbidden This is the doctrine of fruit they were driven out Christ and whoso buildeth from the garden of Eden to upon this, buildeth uporr till the earth. And they the rock of Christ and the have brought forth the gates of hell shall not prefamily of all the earth. But vail against them. But the days of the children of whoso shall declare more or men were prolonged so that less than this, and establish they might repent while in it for His doctrine, the same the flesh. So their state be- cometh of evil, and the came a state of probation. gates of hell standeth open Because of the transgres- to receive them. sion of their parents, all It teaches that all shall - men were lost and would come forth in the resurrecremain so, unless they re- tion, both the good and the lied on their Redeemer who evil, and be brought to was to come and redeem stand before the bar of God them from the fall. Yet all to be judged of their works. : men were given freedom to Death and hell will deliver choose according to the up its dead, both the cap- r flesh, whether unto liberty tive bodies and the captive, and eternal life through the spirits. On the other hand atonement of Christ, or the paradise of God and the unto captivity and death grave will also deliver up, -56-

5 Zion's Advocate the spirits of the righteous. Thus the spirits and bodies of all men will be restored one to another never again to be divided. Then is the time when they which are righteous shall be righteous still, and they which are filthy shall be filthy still. The intent of the last sacrifice was to bring about the bowels of mercy and bring about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy satisfie s the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance, is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice. It was requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good. But if their works were evil, they shall be restored unto him for evil. Thus all things shall be restored to their proper order, everything to its natural frame, mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption; raised either to endless happiness, to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery, to inherit the kingdom of the devil. Wickedness never was happiness. All men that are in a state of nature, or in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. They are without God in the world, having gone contrary to the nature of God. Therefore they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. Concerning the word 'restoration': Is it to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state? or place it in a state opposite to its nature? No! Rather the word 'restoration' means to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish; or good for that which is good, righteous for that which is righteous, just for that which is j:ust; and mercy for that which is merciful. Therefore, whoso will come may come, the same is not compelled to come, but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds. If he has done evil, evil shall be restored unto him. Or if he has desired righteous- ness all his days, he shall be restored to righteousness. Thus we are all our own judges whether to do evil or to do good. For those who procrastinate the day of their salvation until the end, it will be everlastingly too late, for they will die in their sins and then they shall return to God, behold His face, and remain in their sins. The ref ore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not.be brought about, only, on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary or preparatory state, otherwise mercy~ could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. As for little children and those without the law, the blood of Christ atones for them and little children have no need for baptism but are alive in Christ. WHAT DOES IT NOT TEACH? It does not teach that a prophet presidency should preside over the twelve apostles whom Christ has chosen. It does not make provision for an office of high priest in the New Testament church. It does not teach polygamy or, -57-

6 Zion's Advocate that a man should have more than one wife; rather, it severely condemns such practice, it being an abomination in the sight of God. It also warns against affiliation in any secret society. It does not teach marriage for time and eternity or the practice of spiritual wif ery. It does not teach the concept that as God is, man shall become, and as man is, God once was, or the kindred idea of the Father once having a body of flesh. It does not teach the Adam God theory, or the plurality of Gods. It does not teach secret temple rites, or blood atonement to save souls of apbstates. It does not teach the use of water in the sacrament of the Lord's supper. It does not teach the existence of a heavenly mother. WHAT ARE THE WORDS OF THE PROPHETS? They prophesied of the birth of Christ to a chosen virgin and also the prophet who was to prepare the way before Him. After the Lamb of God was baptized of him He went forth ministering unto the people in great power. Twelve others also followed Him. But the people cast him out from among them and He was taken and lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. At this time, because of great wickedness among the people in this land, a great storm and destruction took place, followed immediately by the appearance of the Lord to them, the establishment of the church among them, and the calling of twelve others. These were to continue in righteousness until the fourth generation, at which time a great destruction would take place among them. But a record of their proceedings would be hid up to come forth in the latter days. Many generations were to pass away until the time came that the Lord would inspire a man among the Gentiles to come upon the great waters to this land. And so the Gentiles c<1-me out of captivity and established themselves on this land, and in the process of time the seed of the people of this land were scattered and smitten by them. The power of God was upon the Gentiles so that they became a free people. But because of the formation of a great and abominable church among them prior to their arrival in this land, many plain and precious things had been removed from the book they carried. So the Lord, in His mercy, caused to be brought forth the record of the ancient inhabitants of this land which would restore those lost precious things. This latter record was to make known to all people that the Lamb of God is the Savior of the world and that all men must come to Him or they could not be saved. This book and the one that came forth from the Jew~ were to be made one in God's hand. This last book was to establish the truth of the first book, and that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true. It also prophesied that if the Gentiles would repent and not harden their hearts they would be numbered with the people of this land and with the house of Israel, and they would be blessed upon this land forever and be no more brought down into captivity. But if they would not repent, the first inhabitants of the land would rise up as a lion among them as, t..., -58-

7 Zion's Adv9cate sheep and go through them in great destruction. But when the wrath of God would begin to be poured out upon the great mother of harlots, then at that day the work of the Father would commence in preparing the way for the fulfilling of His covenants which He had made to His people which are of the house of Israel. And that after they were restored they would never be scattered again. Nevertheless, after the scattering of the house of Israel among all nations, the Lord will lift up His hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and the children of Israel shall be carried in their arms, and their daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders and be nursed by the Gentiles. Thus the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles upon this land and then proceed to do a marvelous work among them which will be of great worth both to the inhabitants of this land as well as Jew and Gentile. And the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in carrying them forth to the lands of their inheritance. Thus they become nursing fathers and mothers unto them. This is the second time that the Lord will set His hand to recover His people from their lost and fallen state. When the Gen tiles come clean before the Lord, and attain to perfect faith, those ancient records which have long been hid up shall come forth. It shall be a revelation from the beginning of the world unto the ending thereof. Other prophetic statements show this land to be the place of Zion and the New Jerusalem which is to be built up upon this land. The Jerusalem of old will also be built up an holy city unto the Lord. Then the powers of heaven shall come down and Christ also will be in their midst. Then will the seed of Israel in this land be gathered in unto the city, and then will the work of the Father commence in gathering all Israel back to the lands of their inheritance. The conclusion of the matter is that in the last days, all the nations of the Gentiles, and also the Jews, even all the nations of the earth will be drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations. When that day comes they shall be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder and with earthquake, and with a great noise, storm and tempest, and with the flame of devouring fire, and all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. ;.., -59-

8 Zion's Advocate SERIES: PART 6 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE APOSTLE JOHN... By Apostle Don Mclndoo CHAPTER SEVEN las chapter seven opens, John sees that four angels are holding in check the four winds, symbolic of warfare and commotion. They seem to be blowing from every quarter of the earth. These winds of destruction will be held back -until His servants can be sealed in such a way as to deliver them from the impending disasters to come. There will be some mark, sign or practice SECTION SIX: ROME'S COLLAPSE by which they would be recognized. Barnes believes His true servants needed deliverance from both the physical threat and the spiritual apostasy that is fast approaching. As we study chapter eight we shall see how effective this seal was to be for the Christian community. 2Most commentators see the perfect number, 144,000 who were sealed, as indicating all those worthy to be saved. In some of the events that will take place with the unfolding of chapter eight, they see the direct benefit of this sealing. All of the 144,00 are not necessarily of the house of Israel, but rather, of spiritual Israel, or the true followers of Christ. We might remember the words of Jesus in III Nephi 7:38: "But if the Gentiles will repent, and return unto me, saith the Father, behold, they shall be numbered among my people, 0 hguse of Israel.... " This number will include both men and women, both Israel and Gentile believers. ~ 3 Brother Sheldon sees these 144,000 as those who shall be found standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb of God, "having his Father's name written in their foreheads" (Revelation 14:1). More about this in a later section. 4After this, said John, he saw another marvelous sight in heaven; a great multitude before the throne of God. These are those.. i steadfast believers who passed through great trials and tribulation here upon the earth. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his tern- APRI L 0 60-

9 Zion's Adv.ocate pie... " (Revelation 7:15). The scenes of danger, woe and persecution are now past. What he now sees is the salvation of a great multitude from all the nations and races of the earth. This is a joyous view of the victorious saints who are dressed in robes of white. CHAPTER EIGHT 1 There is an ominous silence in heaven as seven angels prepare themselves to sound their trumpets, announcing more woes to be poured out upon the weakened empire of Rome. Four trumpets will blow, one following the other. The historicist believes it is easy to identify four history-shaping events which will follow one another in rapid succession, and which seem to meet the specifications of the symbolism used by John and which continue to bring about the collapse of the Roman empire. 2"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the t~ird part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." (Revelation 8:7). By reading Psalms 18: 13, we recognize that hail and fire are symbols of God's vengeance. David wrote, "The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire." 3As we finished. chapter six, we saw that with the approach of Attila and his Huns from the steppes of Asia, Alaric, the king of the Goths, had already crossed the Danube River by permission from Rome. Gibbons goes to great lengths in describing the peaceful pastoral nature of the peoples of this portion of the empire. Then he writes, '~This scene of peace and plenty was suddenly changed into a desert. His trees, his old contemporary trees, must blaze in the conflagration of the whole country..." 1 4Then the famous historian turns from his pastoral description to give attention to the city of Rome, itself. "During a period of six hundred and nineteen years, the seat of empire had never been viol~ted by the presence of a foreign enemy." 2 But this was about to change as Alaric, the king of the Goths, "encompassed the walls, commanded the twelve principal gates, intercepted all communication with the adjacent country, and vigilantly guarded the navigation T.b ;, 3 1 er... of the 5The fearful Senate was helpless to do anythi~g except await the final blow. At last it came! "At the hour of midnight the Salarian Gate was silently opened, and the inhabitants were awakened by the tremendous sound of the Gothic trumpet. This occurred in A. D. 410." 4 How exactly this description by the worldly historian coincides with the symbolism of the prophet! 6In chapter seven we saw these winds of war and calamity restrained until _ the faithful servants of God could be sealed. The historian, Gibbons, demonstrates the accuracy of this symbol of God's protective power. He writes of "The proclamation of Alaric when he forced his entrance into the vanquished city... He encouraged his troops boldly to seize the rewards of valour, and to enrich themselves with the spoils of a wealthy and effeminate people; but he exhorted them at the same time to spare the lives of unresisting citizens, and to respect the churches of the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul as holy and inviolable sanctuaries. "5 Gibbons also, ;

10 adds, ''According to Isidor, Alaric himself was heard to say, that he waged war with the Romans, and not with the apostles." 6 1Njeim writes that by A.D. 410 one third of the population of the western empire had died, both adults and children. This he equates with the trees and grass. Matthew Henry, usually standing with the historicists, sees this as possibly referring to "heresies that swept the Christian church after Constantine." 8"And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed" (Revelation 8:8, 9). The sounding of this second angel announced the next invasion of the empire. This devastation was carried out by Genseric and his Vandals. These are a people who had migrated long before from the northern reaches of Europe. Now they occupied a fertile strip of African coastlands sandwiched between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Zion's Advocate 9Genseric "cast his eyes toward the sea; he resolved to create a naval power, and his bold resolution was executed with steady and active perseverance. He animated his daring Vandals to embrace a mode of warfare which would render every maritime country accessible to their 1 arms... " e ecame H b known to historians as the "Tyrant of the Sea." lo His warfare against the empire began in A.D Barnes, writing of the Vandals, says they conquered the Roman colonies of northern Africa, "harassed the neighboring islands, and the coasts of the Mediterranean by their predatory incursions, destroying the ships and the commerce of the Romans, and were distinguished in the downfall of the empire by their ravages on the islands and the sea. Thus they were moved along from place to place until the scene of their desolations became more distinctly the maritime parts of the empire..." 8 Again, the symbolism of John could not have been better selected to portray the actual events! 11 "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called n Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter" (Revelation 8: 10, 11). 12 We should remember that a star portrays a dignitary or a great leader. The terrible destroyer who now fell upon the staggering empire was Attila, leading his myriads all the way from the steppes of Asia. His career extended from A.D. 433 to 453. Gibbons writes, "In the reign of Atilla the Huns again became the terror of the world; and I shall now describe the character and - actions of that formidable barbarian who alternately invaded and insulted the East and the West, and urged the rapid.. downfall of the Roman empire." 9 13 Gibbons says that as the Vandals were the masters of the sea, "the Huns were the masters of the rivers." As they, -62-

11 Zion's Adl'ocate traversed the European nations of the Roman Empire, their route carried them beside all the great rivers of Europe. Some historians believe that 300,000 bodies lay slaughtered in the rivers. One wrote, "Many had died, and still continued to die, that drank of the waters, through famine, disease and pesti 1 ence. " 10 Wormwood, indeed! He was known to the world as the "Scourge of God." 14 "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise" (Revelation 8:12). 15 We remember that these heavenly bodies are symbolic of luminaries of the kingdoms of the earth. The historicist has no difficulty seeing this fulfilled by the invasion of Od6ace_r. Od6acer was of a Germanic tribe that had migrated southward from the Baltic area into an area of the Roman Empire.. He actually became a general in the Roman legions, but in A.D. 476 led a Germanic revolt against the rulers and set aside the em- peror, Romulus Augustulus, and made himself king over Italy. 16 He became the King of Italy from A.D. 476 to A.D With the reign of this barbarian the existence of the Roman power came to an end. What Jerome, the early church father, had written after the conquest of Alaric, now had fulfillment with Od6acer: "The world's glorious sun has been extinguished." More apt are the words of the poet Byron: "She saw her glories star by star expire," "This was formerly looked upon as the date of the fall of the Western Empire." 12 (More about this in a later chapter.) Od6acer was later killed by the Ostrogoths who attempted to re-establish the Roman law, institutions and culture. 18 In way of contrast to this historicist viewpoint, several wellstudied ministers of the Church of Christ believe that chapter eight relates to events that are yet future. Apostle William Sheldon sees a favorable comparison with verse eight of this chapter with Jeremiah 51:25 and verse twelve with Isaiah 13:10, both of which he iden- tifies as relating to the time just preceding the coming of the Lord. BIBLIOGRAPHY I. Gibbons, Edward, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 2, Philadelphia, pp. 653, Ibid., Gibbons, Vol. 3, p Ibid., Gibbons, Vol. 3, p Ibid., Gibbons, Vol. 3, p Barnes, Albert, Notes on., the New Testament: Revelation, 1851, Glasgow, p Ibid., Barnes, p. 198, Op. Cit., Gibbons, Vol. 3, p Op. Cit., Barnes, p Op. Cit., Barnes, p Gregg, Steve, Revelation, Four Views: A Parallel Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1953, p Op. Cit., Barnes, p Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 20, p

12 Zion's Advocate NEWS OUR GROUP LOUISIANA & MISSISSIPPI By Elder Robert Oldham W:e would like to introduce your brothers and sisters from Louisiana and Mississippi: Peggy Williams, Jennifer Oldham, Augie Barletta, Aaron "Lee" Williams, Clara Badon, John Williams, Jennifer Williams, Kent Hoffmann, Samantha "Sam" \:Villiams, Cathy Jones and Carol Hoffmann. Sisters Jennifer and Samantha Williams are the newest member of this group of the Church of Christ. John was an active member of the Restoration and began searching for a more authentic teac~ing of the true restored gospel. John was confident that Christ promised to restore His church upon the earth and would never take it away again. While searching through a number of books a friend in the restoration had left him, John found the Church of Christ. After a goodly amount of prayer, John called the Temple Lot and talked,vi th Bro. Sheldon who passed John's name and information on to Bro. Smith Brickhouse. - After a couple visits by Bro. Brickhouse to Mississippi, John was baptized into the Church of Christ. Peggy decided that she would not follow her husband's decision and. specifically not "join another church." About a year later, Peggy was experiencing the spirit and love from the services..i f -64-

13 Zion's Advocate as,.vell as the people from the Church of Christ who were coming to minister to them. It was some time later while John and Peggy,vere traveling together that a voice told Peggy to ask John, ''what was necessary to be baptized." She not onlv talked to John about the requirements but she also later spoke with Buzz during one of his visits and was then baptized. During another visit of one of the priesthood from Missouri in the spring of 1999, Augie Barletta was baptized in a farm pond be- 1 on gin g to a neighbor. Augie had heard about the gospel of Christ while doing some remodeling for John and Peggy. In August of '99 John and Peggy attended their first reunion in Missouri. As they traveled back to Mississippi, Peggy felt a leading to call her son, Lee, and told him of the blessing she felt while attending the reunion in Missouri. Lee told her how earnestly he wished he could have attended with them. Later afte~ arriving home, Peggy experienced a dream that made her aware that she should concentrate her prayers on Lee's soul salvation. During this time, Lee also experienced a dream. John and Peggy had given Lee a picture of the aerial view of the Temple Lot. One day while reading the Outline Church History, this picture came back to Lee's mind and an audible voice said, "Choose wisely." It was from this experience that Lee then decided to be baptized. Carol Hoffmann, John's sister, made her commitment to become a member of the Church of Christ after attending the cottage meetings at John and Peggy's home and experiencing the fellowship with the ministers who were visiting with them in Mississippi. Carol admits that it was a hard decision to be "baptized again" as she felt she had already been baptized in "Christ's Church." Lee and Carol were baptized in December of It was at the 2000 Missouri Reunion that Kent Hoffmann, Carol's son, made his decision to be baptized into the Church of Christ after talking with Matthew Case. Kent explained that he had felt "out of touch with God and needed to come back." He is presently enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University, working toward a degree in management. Kent, along with his mother, support this small group in Mississippi with attendance and participation. In November of 2001, Jennifer, Lee's wife, announced that she had also decided to join the Church of Christ. Jennifer had been admonished during a service previously that she should begin preparing for baptism. \\Then she was spoken to at this service, she explained that about a week prior she had been driving in her car and came to a realization as to who would bap-., tize her. Now in February of 2002, Jennifer and her daughter Samantha have made their commitment to Christ. One of the goals of this group is to locate a building in which they can hold their monthly church services. _ These members are spread over a hundred plus miles and would like to find a central location for their meetings. \Ve would request your prayerful support of this goal... ' -65-

14 Zion's Adv.9cate ANNOUNCEMENT, - Resolution for the 2002 Solemn Assembly The Council of Apostles recommends for adoption the following: Be it resolved that a Solemn Assembly be held the two days preceding the April Ministers' Conference, on March 29th and 30th, 2002, and the following statements will comprise our purpose: Whereas, By numerous prophecies we know that the day of the Lord is nigh at hand, and Whereas, We know that great tribulation shall come upon the earth before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, and Whereas, We have the example of the church as found in Moroni 6:6: "And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls:... fl Therefore, Resolved., That the whole membership of the Church of Christ, from the youngest child to the oldest member, be called to a solemn assembly, that a period of fasting may be sanctified unto our God. Resolved, that this period of fasting and prayer be held on the Temple Lot, Resolved, That we seek to lay hold on the promise recorded in Joel 2:32, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. fl Resolved, that all members of this Church of Christ, who are hindered by circumstances beyond their control from assembling on the Temple Lot, will dedicate the same period to fasting and prayer in their locals or in their homes, that the whole church be united in one heart and one mind, that the direction of the Lord be revealed to us, that the power of the Holy Ghost cover us as the waters cover the sea, that the servants of the Lord might go forth in boldness and power, preaching the word with authority unto the uttermost ends of the earth. Respectfully submitted, (Signed) Smith N Brickhouse, Secy. Council of Apostles -66-

15 Zion's Adyocate ANNOUNCEMENTS PANCAKE DINHER ~ WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 2002 ~ WHERE: IHOP, E Valleyview Rd ~ TIME: From 6:00-8:30 p.m. ~ COST: Adults $4.00; Children $2.00 ~ MENU: Pancakes, juice and coffee ~ TICKETS: Available from the Ladies of the East Local Women's Department SERMONS AVAILABLE For sermons on CASSETTE TAPE, contact Dan Lawrence at 8420 Lee's Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64139, (816) For sermons on VIDEO TAPE, contact your local missionary. CHURCH OF CHRIST ONLINE - The Church of Christ, Temple Lot, web address is: churchofchrist-tl.org. he 2002 Celorado Re1,mion Twill be heldjune 14, 15.& 16, 2002, at the Orchard Mesa Local in Grand Junction, Colorado. We hope that as many of you,as possible will be aole to meet with us :for.. a,weekehd of.'prshig abd :.fellowshig.,l:"ebse let a member of the reunion committee know if you will be attending, how mahy, and if you will need lodging. It is time to start planning the meals and we need to have some idea of numbers. The RV P$21rks in the area 2002 COLORADO REUNION are. always fullat that time of yetjf. Here are the addresses arid phone numbers for the RV parks in Grand Junction, Colorado. BigJ RV Park US Hwy 6 & 50 Grand Junctior1, CO ~ all~~iie~irv 'Rcr2t'G Business Loop.. CliftotL CO (970) We look forward to seeing you dojuoe! Karen Bell Kbell@gvi i. net P.O. Box 1137 Palisade, CO (970) Kathy Larsen larsenhuskers@msn.com 304 Road Gro Junction, CO.81'5 (970) Daniel Carroll dan@colorado.edu 41 7 Ironwood Court Grand Junction, CO (970) t

16 Zion's Advocate CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Speed delivery of your Zion's Advocate by sending us your new address immediately. Each undeliverable Zion's Advocate costs the church more than the value of a first class stamp, in addition to regular postage. CHURCH OF CHRIST CONFERENCES The 2002 Ministers' Conference (general membership) for the Church of Christ will commence Sunday, March 31. The business. sessions will start at 9:00 A. M. Monday, April 1. A Solemn Assembly will be held prior to the conference, on March 29 & 30. All services will be held on the Temple Lot. The 2002 Ministers' Conference (priesthood membership) of the Church of Christ will be held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12, 13 and 14, at Independence, Missouri. CHURCH OF CHRIST PUBLICATIONS Send all orders to the Church of Christ, P.O. Box 472, Independence, Missouri Zion's Advocate Subscription Rate: Price Each t Members (optional} $4.00 Non-Members Foreign Babylon's Fall and the Way of Escape Book of Commandments (hard bound} Book of Commandments (plastic bound} Book of Commandments Controversy Reviewed Book of Mormon (1908 Authorized Edition-Leather} Book of Mormon (1990 Independence Edition-Cloth} Book of Mormon (1990 Independence Edition-Leather} Book of Mormon (1990 Independence Edition-Missionary) Book of Mormon Companion, A (hardbound} Book of Mormon Companion, A (softbound} Book of Mormon Concordance Changing of the Revelations Comprehensive Comparison of Changes to the Revelations Marvelous Work and a Wonder. A, by Daniel MacGregor Outline History of the Church of Christ Temple Lot Deed What the Restoration Teaches Concerning God Zion's Hymnal t Cost of mailing will be added. THEBALANCEOFTHESEGENERALCHURCH PUBLICATIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE:* Ancient Prophecies Fulfilled in 1830 Apostasy from the New Testament Church Articles of Faith & Practice of the Church of Christ Baptism for the Dead?- A Fallacy Book of Mormon, The (tract} Brief Commentary: Book of Commandments & Doctrine and Covenants Brief History of the Church of Christ, A Christian Sabbath is the Lord's Day, The Concerning Marriage and Polygamy Cost of Salvation, The Does it Make a Difference to Which Church You Belong? Evidences of the Book of Mormon First Presidency or First Apostles? 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RETURN, THE (12 minutes)-reveals the significance of the return to the "land of Zion" in 1867 by the members of the Church of Christ, especially as holders of Title to the previously dedicated Temple Lot. HOLY SCRIPTURES ON AUDIO CASSEITE TAPE Complete set narrating the King James Version of the Bible New Testament and a set for the entire Book of Mormon. Write to Dan Lawrence, 8ij20 Lee's Summit Road, Kansas City, Missouri Specify which set is desired and the estimated length of time you expect to use it. SERMONS ON AUDIO & VIDEO CASSEITE TAPES For a sermon on cassette tape write to Dan Lawrence, 8420 Lee's Summit Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64139; on video tape contact your local missionary. SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS Send orders for Sunday School materials to Debbie Vogel, 403 West Colonel Drive, Independence, Missouri All materials are free of charge to members of the Church of Christ, except as noted. Donations will be accepted to cover postage. 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